Arsenal's title hopes aren't over, insists Arsene Wenger

THE Gunners boss reckons a run of home games in December can catapult his side into the title reckoning.

ARSENE WENGER is refusing to write off Arsenal’s title hopes and reckons the next six games can catapult his side back into the mix.

The Gunners head into today’s clash against Swansea down in seventh place, 12 points behind leaders Manchester United, following their midweek draw at Everton.

However, with four of their six December league fixtures at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger is confident his team can use home advantage to surge up the table.

The Gunners gaffer said: “Now we have six games, four at home, and if we do well in this block we have a chance to come back.

“At the moment the two Manchester sides are top. They have not been spectacular, but efficient, and have made the most of their chances.

“For example, Man United have already lost three games and have lost in the Champions League as well.

“It is exactly what we have done but they took more points and had less draws than we did. That has been the difference until now.”

With Laurent Koscielny set for around a month on the sidelines after limping off at Goodison with a thigh strain, captain Thomas Vermaelen looks set to return to the centre of defence against the Swans.

The Belgian has been utilised on the left in recent weeks but produced a solid display to shackle countryman Marouane Fellaini and track Croatia frontman Nikica Jelavic. Wenger said: “It was certainly his best game since the start of the season in this position.

“That will boost his confidence and hopefully get out of his mind what happened before when he was not confident.”

Swansea come to the Emirates Stadium on the back of their brilliant midweek win over in-form West Brom.

Michael Laudrup’s men are only a point and a place below the Gunners and Wenger insists there can be no complacency.

He added: “They have bought intelligently and along with the base they had last year it makes them dangerous.

“Michael Laudrup has added some players he knew from Spain who are very good additions.

“They have signed Michu, Pablo Hernandez, Jonathan de Guzman and also kept important players such as Leon Britton and Angel Rangel.

“Swansea are a dangerous side throughout and having a good season. They are a complete unit – creative, technical and mobile.”